An integrated system for fire and explosion consequence analysis of offshore process facilities

Pula, Ravi Chandra
(2005)
An integrated system for fire and explosion consequence analysis of offshore process facilities.
Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English]
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- Accepted Version
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Abstract

Offshore oil and gas platforms are well known for their compact geometry, high degree of congestion, limited ventilation and difficult escape routes. A small mishap under such conditions can quickly escalate into a catastrophe. Among all the loss producing events occurring offshore, fires and explosions are the most frequently reported process related accidents. They have potential to cause serious injury to personnel, major damage to equipment and structure, and disruption of operations. It is therefore necessary to study the characteristics of fires and explosions and thereby quantify the hazards I consequences posed by them In order to complete a detailed quantitative risk assessment study. This can eventually form a basis for the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures and emergency response plans to protect personnel in case of any eventuality. -- While there are many consequence models available to predict fire and explosion hazards -varying from simple empirical models to highly complex computational fluid dynamic models - only a few have been validated for the unique conditions found offshore. Furthermore, the complexity involved in simulating these models for quantifying the consequences makes the use of computer programs inevitable. Although, there are a few commercial software packages available for offshore quantitative risk assessment and consequence studies, they are very expensive and there is ample scope for technical improvements in these packages. -- This work is, therefore, focused on developing a scientifically sound tool for offshore consequence analysis. Technical improvements were incorporated by carrying out an extensive literature review on the existing consequence models (such as source models, dispersion models, ignition models, and fire and explosion models) and selecting the state-of-the-art ones most suitable for offshore conditions. Also, the implementation of a grid based methodology for impact assessment is innovative and is the highlight of this work. This work is considered to have produced a significant contribution in the areas of fire and explosion consequence modeling due to the development of additional models for predicting fire overpressures and analyzing the possibility of accident escalation (Domino effects analysis).